12 Killer Virtual Interview Tips to Nail Your Job Interviews

Virtual interviews are here to stay - they are the new normal in the hiring world.

With the COVID-19 pandemic shaking things up, virtual interviews have become a standard practice for many companies.

The quicker you adapt to it, the better your chances of excelling. 

Now, virtual interviews have their own pros and cons.

On one hand, they offer convenience and flexibility - no need to travel or worry about traffic jams.

But on the other hand, they require a bit more preparation and attention to detail. 

The competition has gotten tougher because now people from all over the world can apply and participate in the interviews.

In this article, I have discussed 12 solid virtual interview tips to help you prepare and be aware of the common pitfalls.

But before that, let's learn a little bit more about virtual interviews.

What is a virtual interview?

A virtual interview is a type of job interview that takes place remotely using technology. 

Instead of meeting face-to-face with the interviewer in person, you connect with them through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, Meet or Microsoft Teams.

You both participate from different locations, typically using webcams and microphones. 

The interview is conducted in real-time, allowing for direct communication and interaction, much like an in-person interview.

Virtual interviews have become really popular because they are convenient and save time. 

They are especially common for remote job positions, international hiring processes, or situations where in-person meetings are not feasible.

When you have a virtual interview, you still need to dress nicely, get prepared for the interview questions, and show the interviewer why you're a good fit for the job. 

The main difference is that instead of meeting in an office, you meet online.

They have become an integral part of the hiring process in today's digital age.

12 Solid Virtual Interview Tips to Ace Your Interviews

Let’s see how you can adapt to and use online interviews in your favour with these virtual interview tips.

▶️ Test your technology

The first thing you need for a virtual interview is a setup with a good camera, microphone and internet connection.

Testing your technology is crucial to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted virtual interview experience. 

The last thing you want is to encounter technical issues that could hinder your performance or create a negative impression.

Here’s what you should do.

👉 Check your internet connection:

Start by ensuring that your internet connection is stable and reliable. 

Connect your device (computer, laptop, or tablet) to your Wi-Fi network and run a speed test to verify the upload and download speeds. 

A strong and stable internet connection is important for clear audio and video during the interview.

👉 Test your webcam: 

Open the application or software you'll be using for the virtual interview (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Teams or Meet) and access the webcam settings. 

Make sure your webcam is functioning correctly and that the video feed is clear. Adjust the camera angle, if necessary, to ensure a well-framed shot.

👉 Check your microphone: 

Next, test your microphone to ensure that your voice is clear and audible. 

You can use the audio settings in the virtual interview platform or use an external microphone if you have one. 

Speak into the microphone and listen to the playback to make sure the sound quality is good.

👉 Conduct a test call: 

Arrange a test call with a friend or family member.

Use the same virtual interview platform and go through the steps as if it were the actual interview.

This will help you understand the platform, ensure your audio and video are working correctly, and allow you to adjust any settings if needed.

Test these things again on the day of the interview an hour or two before.

▶️ Choose an appropriate location

Find a quiet spot where you can have some privacy.

Look for a room or area in your home where you won't be interrupted by family members, pets, or noisy appliances. 

This helps you maintain focus during the interview and prevents any unwanted background noise from creeping in.

Second, is lightning, select an area that has ample light and your face is clearly visible.

Also, pay attention to what's visible behind you in the camera frame. 

Remove any clutter or items that might be distracting or give off an unprofessional impression. 

A clean and tidy background, such as a blank wall or a bookshelf, can create a more polished and focused look.

Let the people you live with know that you have an important meeting and ask them to avoid entering the room or making excessive noise during that time.

▶️ Dress professionally

Even though you might be sitting in the comfort of your own home, your appearance still matters.

Opt for professional business attire, similar to what you would wear if you were attending an in-person interview. Stick to neutral and solid colours for your clothing.

Take a few extra minutes to groom yourself before the interview. Make sure your hair is well-kempt and your face is clean.

▶️ Familiarise yourself with the virtual interview platform

It’d be awkward if you were asked to share your screen during the interview and you have no idea how.

To avoid this, get familiar with the specific virtual interview platform that’ll be used. It can either be Zoom, Google Meet, Skype or Microsoft Teams.

Each platform has its own unique features and settings that you should understand to ensure a smooth interview experience.

Test out the audio and video settings and other features. 

Understand the platform's interface and navigation. Find out how to mute/unmute yourself, turn your camera on/off, and how share your screen if necessary. 

Knowing these basic functions will help you feel more confident and in control during the interview.

▶️ Maintain good eye contact

When participating in a virtual interview, it's important to create a sense of connection and engagement with the interviewer. 

One way to do this is by maintaining good eye contact, even though you're not physically in the same room.

To achieve this, focus on looking directly into the camera when speaking. Imagine the camera lens as the interviewer's eyes.

It might feel a bit strange at first, but it's an effective way to establish a connection and show your attentiveness.

Virtual setups limit body language communication. But eye contact is one of the most important aspects of nonverbal communication, even in a virtual setting.

So, during your virtual interview, make a conscious effort to focus on the camera lens and maintain eye contact as much as possible.

Of course, it's okay to glance away occasionally. 

This simple adjustment can make a big difference in how you come across during the interview and help you build a strong connection with the interviewer.

▶️ Practice active listening

When you actively listen, you show the interviewer that you value what they are saying and that you are genuinely interested in the conversation.

To practice active listening, start by focusing on the interviewer's questions. 

Give them your full attention, avoiding distractions like checking your phone or glancing at other tabs on your computer. 

When the interviewer is speaking, avoid interrupting or cutting them off. Let them finish.

Also, don't rush to answer right away. Take a brief pause to gather your thoughts and consider your response. 

This pause allows you to provide a well-thought-out answer instead of rushing into a hasty or incomplete response.

Remember, active listening is not just about hearing the words; it's about truly comprehending the message behind them. 

▶️ Speak clearly and confidently

It's natural to feel a bit nervous during an interview, and sometimes that can lead to speaking too quickly. 

And since virtual interviews are heavily dependent on audio, they may come as incoherent.

Take a deep breath and consciously slow down your pace. 

You also get a little time to articulate your thoughts.

Pay attention to your diction and try to enunciate each word properly. Avoid mumbling or speaking too softly. Project your voice and aim for a clear and audible tone.

Don't be afraid to use brief pauses when you need a moment to gather your thoughts. 

It's better to take a moment to compose a well-thought-out response than to rush into an answer that may lack coherence.

While it's essential to speak clearly, also strive to be concise in your responses. Avoid rambling or going off the topic.

Practise these techniques during mock interviews with a mentor to build your comfort level. 

▶️ Prepare and rehearse answers

Articulating your thoughts properly can be only done with practice.

Take some time to research and compile a list of common interview questions.

Knowing what to expect can help you prepare targeted responses.

Once you have the list of questions, develop a clear structure for your answers. A simple framework to follow is the STAR interview method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. 

Start by describing the situation or challenge you faced, explain the task or goal you had to achieve, describe the actions you took, and highlight the positive results you achieved.

It's not enough to simply think about your answers. Practice saying them out loud. 

Virtual interviews often have time constraints, so it's important to keep your answers concise and relevant. 

Practice delivering your responses within a reasonable timeframe, aiming for two to three minutes per question.

If possible, ask for feedback from someone you trust, such as a mentor. 

They can provide insights into your answers, delivery, and overall impression. Use their feedback to make adjustments and improve your responses.

Remember, the goal of rehearsing is not to mug up your answers word for word.

Connect with a mentor to focus on internalising the key points and conveying them naturally during the interview.

▶️ Actively engage during the interview

Engage in a back-and-forth conversation. Don’t let it be a monologue.

You can expect a few awkward pauses here and there. 

But try your best to actively engage in a dialogue with the interviewer by asking insightful questions.

Prepare a few questions in advance about the company, the role, or anything else that's important. 

Talk about relevant experiences or achievements that show off your skills. By using specific examples, you bring your responses to life and show how you can apply your knowledge in real situations.

Sit straight and show that you're alert and interested. Avoid slouching or fidgeting, as it might make you seem uninterested.

As you respond, don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if needed. If you're unsure about a specific point or want further details, politely ask for clarification

▶️ Be adaptable

Imagine you're in the middle of answering a question, and suddenly your audio stops working or your video freezes. 

It can be annoying but try not to get too stressed. Take a deep breath and stay calm. 

Let the interviewer know there seems to be a technical issue on your end, and they'll probably understand.

If the problem persists, you can ask for a moment to troubleshoot the issue. 

Check your internet connection, close any unnecessary applications or browser tabs, and restart your device if needed. 

Just remember, technical glitches can happen, especially in virtual interviews and require some flexibility and understanding from both sides. 

Avoid getting flustered or letting frustration show in your expressions or tone of voice.

Embrace these challenges as chances to show how well you can handle unexpected situations and keep your cool.

▶️ Follow up with a thank-you email

After the virtual interview, it's a great idea to send a thank-you email to the interviewer or interview panel. 

It's a simple way to show that you appreciate the interviewer's time and effort. Plus, it helps you stay on their mind.

If there were any important things discussed during the interview that need more attention, you can mention that you're happy to provide more information or clear up any confusion. 

This shows that you're proactive and really committed to the interview process.

Before hitting the send button, make sure to proofread your email for any spelling or grammatical errors. 

Double-check that you have correctly spelt the interviewer's name and included your contact information. 

Once you are satisfied, send the email asap, ideally within 24 hours of the interview.

This simple virtual interview tip could help you stand out from other candidates!

Conclusion

Note down these virtual interview tips to nail your upcoming interview. 

Keep refining your virtual interview skills, stay up to date with the latest technology and trends, and always be prepared for the unexpected. 

In addition to these tips, consider seeking mentorship to further enhance your virtual interview skills. 

At Preplaced, the mentors are also part of their company’s interview panels. This means that they can offer guidance and valuable insights to help you polish your interview techniques.

Whether it's your body language or rehearsing answers, they can assess you and provide personalised feedback.

Remember, you have the freedom to attend interviews from any place, but being fully prepared is non-negotiable.

Connect with a career mentor today to ace your interviews!